KEEN ELECTION FIGHT

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 September 1946, Page 3

KEEN ELECTION FIGHT

MR. O’BRIEN’S PREDICTION TO SUPPORTERS “A PRELIMINARY GALLOP” 1 An address to. party supporters—in his own words, “a preliminary gallop” before the election campaign which will be commenced in three or four v/eeks, —was delivered by the Minister of Transport, Mr O’Brien, in the Lyceum Hall, Greymouth, ‘ last evening. “I am here once more to tell the story of elections,” he began. “I will tell you what has been done during the past three years, how the party is shaping and tell you what it has done in comparison with the other fellows when they were in the Treasury benches.” There was an attendance of almost 150 at the meeting, a large majority of those present being women. In his address which lasted about one hour, Mr O’Bren referred to the manner in which the war had held up the party’s programme, and pointed out that if £ 650,000,000 coulci be spent on war, then it could also be spent in peace for the good of the people. “The rules that the other chaps have made up for us to observe during the election campaign decree that we must not mention.the slump,” he stated. He added that he could not see why it should not be mentioned and proceeded to spend a lengthyperiod on the subject. “People have very short memories,” he explained. Forty Hour Week During the time he devoted to recounting the measures introduced by the Labour. Government, Mr O’Brien indicated that though at present one or two sections of the community did not enjoy a 40-hour week, before the present session of Parliament concluded it would be enjoyed by all, or at least they would be paid overtime for the hours worked in excess of 40. “Mr Holland said that he would not interfere with the 40-hour week, would not cut wages or pensions, and would not undo any of the things introduced by Labour,” Mr O’Brien said. “I think Mr Holland is sincere, but he has no more chance of carrying out those promises than he has of flying in the air. “Take a look at those who make up the National Party,” he added. “They are anti-social and have gathered in anti-social dupes. Would they permit the benefits to continue? If Mr. Holland got on to the Treasury benches and refused to do anything about the 40-hour week and other benefits he would be the leader no longer. And I think Mr Holyoake will take Mr Holland’s place if he sticks to his promises.” At this stage Mr O'Brien referred to the Greymouth branch of the National Party which, he declared, was opposed to the 40-hour week. “They are looking for something for themselves and don’t give a ‘hoot if they bring about another slump,” he said. Mr O’Brien also referred to the increase in income throughout New Zealand during the past few years and the increases in bank savings. Mr O’Brien said he would probably commence his election campaign in three or four weeks, but he would not be able to spend a great deal of time in his electorate —probably about three weeks —for he would visit other districts where candidates required a helping hand.

Important Election “This is one of the most important elections we have had to fight,’’ _ he declared. “Mr Holland told a friend that if the Opposition does riot win thi‘: time it will be out for 20 years.” The election would be keen, Mr O’Brien said, but he was satisfied that his party would be returned. The result in the Westland electorate, he added, was a foregone conclusion. On the motion of Mr Richardson (Stillwater) and Mr R. Ware, a vote of appreciation was accorded Mi O’Brien, and the meeting also _ reaffirmed its faith in both the Minister and the Labour Party. A vote of thanks was also accorded the chairman, Mr W. Green, president of the local branch of the Labour Party.